Record Information
Version1.0
Creation date2010-04-08 22:10:09 UTC
Update date2019-11-26 03:06:44 UTC
Primary IDFDB012411
Secondary Accession NumbersNot Available
Chemical Information
FooDB NameCapsaicin
DescriptionFlavouring ingredient. Pungent principle of various Capsicum subspecies (Solanaceae) Capsaicin (pronounced /kæp?se??s?n/) (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, (CH3)2CHCH=CH(CH2)4CONHCH2C6H3-4-(OH)-3-(OCH3)) is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against certain herbivores and fungi. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, crystalline to waxy compound.; Capsaicin is a banned substance in equestrian sports because of its hypersensitizing and pain relieving properties. At the show jumping events of the 2008 Summer Olympics, four horses tested positive for the substance, resulting in disqualification.; Capsaicin is a highly irritant material requiring proper protective goggles, respirators, and proper hazardous material handling procedures. It is hazardous in cases of skin contact (irritant, sensitizer), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant, lung sensitizer). Severe over-exposure to pure capsaicin can result in death; the lethal dose (LD50 in mice) is 47.2 mg/kg. Numerous other adverse health effects can occur in mammals.; Capsaicin is identified as the primary pungent principle in Capsicum fruits. Hot chili peppers that belong to the plant genus Capsicum (family Solanaceae) are among the most heavily consumed spices throughout the world. The capsaicin content of green and red peppers ranges from 0.1 to 1%. Capsaicin evokes numerous biological effects and thus has been the target of extensive., investigations since its initial identification in 1919. One of the most recognized physiological properties of capsaicin is its selective effects on the peripheral part of the sensory nervous system, particularly on the primary afferent neurons. The compound is known to deplete the neurotransmitter of painful impulses known as substance P from the sensory nerve terminals, which provides a rationale for its use as a versatile experimental tool for studying pain mechanisms and also for pharmacotherapy to treat some peripheral painful states, such as rheumatoid arthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, post-mastectomy pain syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. Considering the frequent consumption of capsaicin as a food additive and its current therapeutic application, correct assessment of any harmful effects of this compound is important from the public health standpoint. Ingestion of large amounts of capsaicin has been reported to cause histopathological and biochemical changes, including erosion of gastric mucosa and hepatic necrosis. However, there are contradictory data on the mutagenicity of capsaicin. A recent epidemiological study conducted in Mexico revealed that consumers of chili pepper were at higher risk for gastric cancer than non-consumers. However, it remains unclear whether capsaicin present in hot chili pepper is a major causative factor in the aetiology of gastric cancer in humans. A growing number of recent studies have focused on anticarcinogenic or antimutagenic phytochemicals, particularly those included in human diet. In summary, capsaicin has dual effects on chemically induced carcinogenesis and mutagenesis. Although a minute amount of capsaicin displays few or no deleterious effects, heavy ingestion of the compound has been associated with necrosis, ulceration and even carcinogenesis. Capsaicin is considered to be metabolized by cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed-function oxidases to reactive species. (PMID: 8621114); Prolonged activation of these neurons by capsaicin depletes presynaptic substance P, one of the body's neurotransmitters for pain and heat. Neurons that do not contain TRPV1 are unaffected. This causes extended numbness following surgery, and the patient does not feel pain as the capsaicin is applied under anesthesia.; The burning and painful sensations associated with capsaicin result from its chemical interaction with sensory neurons. Capsaicin, as a member of the vanilloid family, binds to a receptor called the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1). First cloned in 1997, VR1 is an ion channel-type receptor. VR1, which can also be stimulated with heat and physical abrasion, permits cations to pass through the cell membrane and into the cell when activated. The resulting depolarization of the neuron stimulates it to signal the brain. By binding to the VR1 receptor, the capsaicin molecule produces the same sensation that excessive heat or abrasive damage would cause, explaining why the spiciness of capsaicin is described as a burning sensation.; The research team led by David Julius of UCSF showed in 1997 that capsaicin selectively binds to a protein known as TRPV1 that resides on the membranes of pain and heat sensing neurons. TRPV1 is a heat activated calcium channel, which opens between 37 and 45 °C. When capsaicin binds to TRPV1, it causes the channel to open below 37 °C (normal human body temperature), which is why capsaicin is linked to the sensation of heat. Capsaicin is found in many foods, some of which are pepper (c. annuum), red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and orange bell pepper.
CAS Number404-86-4
Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
SynonymSource
CivamideMeSH
(6E)-N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylnon-6-enamidebiospider
(E)-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamidebiospider
(E)-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide(8cl)biospider
(e)-capsaicinbiospider
(E)8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-Nonenamidebiospider
6-Nonenamide, 8-methyl-N-vanillyl-, (E)-biospider
6-Nonenamide, 8-methyl-N-vanillyl-, (E)- (8CI)biospider
8-Methyl-N-Vanillyl-6-Nonenamidebiospider
8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, (E)-biospider
8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-trans-6-nonenamidebiospider
Axsaindb_source
Capsacutindb_source
Capsaicinebiospider
Capsaienedb_source
Capsidolbiospider
Capsinbiospider
Capzasinbiospider
E-capsaicinbiospider
Epsilon-capsaicinbiospider
FEMA 3404db_source
Gelcenbiospider
Isodecenoatebiospider
Isodecenoate vanillylamideGenerator
Isodecenoic acidbiospider
Isodecenoic acid vanillylamidebiospider
Miotondb_source
n-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methyl-6-nonenamidebiospider
N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylnon-6-enamidebiospider
N-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylnon-trans-6-enamidebiospider
N-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)methyl]nonanamidebiospider
N-[(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-8-methyl-6-nonenamide, 9CIdb_source
Natural capsaicindb_source
Nonenamide, 8-methyl-N-vanillyl-, (E)-biospider
Qutenzabiospider
Styptysatbiospider
trans-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamidebiospider
Trans-capsaicinbiospider
Transacinbiospider
Zacinbiospider
Zodermbiospider
Zostrixdb_source
Zostrix (TN)biospider
Zostrix HPbiospider
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.0055 g/LALOGPS
logP4.42ALOGPS
logP4.57ChemAxon
logS-4.7ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)6.11ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)3.96ChemAxon
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count4ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count2ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area62.05 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count9ChemAxon
Refractivity90.84 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability35.72 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings1ChemAxon
BioavailabilityYesChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterYesChemAxon
Veber's RuleNoChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Chemical FormulaC18H27NO3
IUPAC name(6Z)-N-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-8-methylnon-6-enimidic acid
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/C18H27NO3/c1-14(2)8-6-4-5-7-9-18(21)19-13-15-10-11-16(20)17(12-15)22-3/h6,8,10-12,14,20H,4-5,7,9,13H2,1-3H3,(H,19,21)/b8-6-
InChI KeyYKPUWZUDDOIDPM-VURMDHGXSA-N
Isomeric SMILESCOC1=C(O)C=CC(CNC(=O)CCCC\C=C/C(C)C)=C1
Average Molecular Weight305.4119
Monoisotopic Molecular Weight305.199093735
Classification
Description Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as methoxyphenols. Methoxyphenols are compounds containing a methoxy group attached to the benzene ring of a phenol moiety.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassBenzenoids
ClassPhenols
Sub ClassMethoxyphenols
Direct ParentMethoxyphenols
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Methoxyphenol
  • Phenoxy compound
  • Anisole
  • Methoxybenzene
  • Phenol ether
  • Alkyl aryl ether
  • 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoid
  • Monocyclic benzene moiety
  • Fatty acyl
  • Fatty amide
  • N-acyl-amine
  • Carboxamide group
  • Secondary carboxylic acid amide
  • Carboxylic acid derivative
  • Ether
  • Organic nitrogen compound
  • Organonitrogen compound
  • Organooxygen compound
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Organic oxide
  • Carbonyl group
  • Organopnictogen compound
  • Organic oxygen compound
  • Aromatic homomonocyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAromatic homomonocyclic compounds
External DescriptorsNot Available
Ontology
OntologyNo ontology term
Physico-Chemical Properties - Experimental
Physico-Chemical Properties - Experimental
PropertyValueReference
Physical stateSolid
Physical DescriptionNot Available
Mass CompositionC 70.79%; H 8.91%; N 4.59%; O 15.72%DFC
Melting PointMp 64-65°DFC
Boiling PointBp0.01 210-220°DFC
Experimental Water SolubilityNot Available
Experimental logPNot Available
Experimental pKaNot Available
Isoelectric pointNot Available
ChargeNot Available
Optical RotationNot Available
Spectroscopic UV Data281 (e 2500) (MeOH) (Berdy)DFC
DensityNot Available
Refractive IndexNot Available
Spectra
Spectra
EI-MS/GC-MS
TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
Predicted GC-MSCapsaicin, non-derivatized, Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - 70eV, Positivesplash10-052o-9860000000-4151cd60d08276e5122aSpectrum
MS/MS
TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - , positivesplash10-000i-1900000000-b2bcbe6ef314218a9fca2017-09-14View Spectrum
Predicted MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0912000000-95e090cebb8f95d7fe892017-07-25View Spectrum
Predicted MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0900000000-6fb8b34936b848190c392017-07-25View Spectrum
Predicted MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-0f79-4900000000-ade1e8ba842adf972c832017-07-25View Spectrum
Predicted MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0udi-0419000000-80bfd538da9be3f08fe02017-07-26View Spectrum
Predicted MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0udi-0922000000-00b0b7b3e9df2464d4252017-07-26View Spectrum
Predicted MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0006-7900000000-8b112ae03b8d84d338f32017-07-26View Spectrum
NMRNot Available
ChemSpider ID1265957
ChEMBL IDCHEMBL294199
KEGG Compound IDC06866
Pubchem Compound ID1548943
Pubchem Substance IDNot Available
ChEBI ID3374
Phenol-Explorer ID712
DrugBank IDDB05318
HMDB IDHMDB02227
CRC / DFC (Dictionary of Food Compounds) IDHGT21-K:HGT21-K
EAFUS ID1753
Dr. Duke IDCAPSAICIN
BIGG IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
HET IDNot Available
Food Biomarker OntologyNot Available
VMH IDNot Available
Flavornet IDNot Available
GoodScent IDrw1027601
SuperScent IDNot Available
Wikipedia IDCapsaicin
Phenol-Explorer Metabolite IDNot Available
Duplicate IDSNot Available
Old DFC IDSNot Available
Associated Foods
FoodContent Range AverageReference
FoodReference
Biological Effects and Interactions
Health Effects / Bioactivities
DescriptorIDDefinitionReference
5-lipoxygenase inhibitor23924 A compound or agent that combines with an enzyme in such a manner as to prevent the normal substrate-enzyme combination and the catalytic reaction.DUKE
analgesic35480 An agent capable of relieving pain without the loss of consciousness or without producing anaesthesia. In addition, analgesic is a role played by a compound which is exhibited by a capability to cause a reduction of pain symptoms.DUKE
anaphylacticDUKE
anestheticDUKE
anti aggregantDUKE
anti arrhythmic38070 A drug used for the treatment or prevention of cardiac arrhythmias. Anti-arrhythmia drugs may affect the polarisation-repolarisation phase of the action potential, its excitability or refractoriness, or impulse conduction or membrane responsiveness within cardiac fibres.DUKE
anti colonospasmicDUKE
anti inflammatory35472 A substance that reduces or suppresses inflammation.DUKE
anti ischemic52217 Any substance introduced into a living organism with therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.DUKE
anti mastalgicDUKE
anti neuralgic52217 Any substance introduced into a living organism with therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.DUKE
anti neuritic52217 Any substance introduced into a living organism with therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.DUKE
anti nitrosaminicDUKE
anti nociceptive35470 A class of drugs producing both physiological and psychological effects through a variety of mechanisms involving the central nervous system.DUKE
antioxidant22586 A substance that opposes oxidation or inhibits reactions brought about by dioxygen or peroxides. In European countries, E-numbers for permitted antioxidant food additives are from E 300 to E 324.DUKE
anti psoriatic52217 Any substance introduced into a living organism with therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.DUKE
anti septic33281 A substance that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans.DUKE
anti spasmodic52217 Any substance introduced into a living organism with therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.DUKE
anti tachycardic38070 A drug used for the treatment or prevention of cardiac arrhythmias. Anti-arrhythmia drugs may affect the polarisation-repolarisation phase of the action potential, its excitability or refractoriness, or impulse conduction or membrane responsiveness within cardiac fibres.DUKE
antitumor35610 A substance that inhibits or prevents the proliferation of neoplasms.DUKE
anti ulcer49201 One of various classes of drugs with different action mechanisms used to treat or ameliorate peptic ulcer or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.DUKE
calcium antagonist48706 Substance that attaches to and blocks cell receptors that normally bind naturally occurring substances.DUKE
cancer preventive35610 A substance that inhibits or prevents the proliferation of neoplasms.DUKE
carcinogenic50903 A role played by a chemical compound which is known to induce a process of carcinogenesis by corrupting normal cellular pathways, leading to the acquistion of tumoral capabilities.DUKE
cardiotonic38070 A drug used for the treatment or prevention of cardiac arrhythmias. Anti-arrhythmia drugs may affect the polarisation-repolarisation phase of the action potential, its excitability or refractoriness, or impulse conduction or membrane responsiveness within cardiac fibres.DUKE
catabolicDUKE
cyclooxygenase inhibitor35544 A compound or agent that combines with cyclooxygenases (EC 1.14.99.1) and thereby prevents its substrate-enzyme combination with arachidonic acid and the formation of icosanoids, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes.DUKE
cytochrome-P450 inhibitor50183 An enzyme inhibitor that interferes with the activity of cytochrome P450 involved in catalysis of organic substances.DUKE
diaphoreticDUKE
digestiveDUKE
endocrinactiveDUKE
flavor48318 A substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell.DUKE
hypothermicDUKE
irritantDUKE
neurotoxic50910 A poison that interferes with the functions of the nervous system.DUKE
pesticide25944 Strictly, a substance intended to kill pests. In common usage, any substance used for controlling, preventing, or destroying animal, microbiological or plant pests.DUKE
pyrogenicDUKE
repellentDUKE
respirasensitizerDUKE
rubefacientDUKE
sialogogueDUKE
thermogenicDUKE
vasodilator35620 A drug used to cause dilation of the blood vessels.DUKE
EnzymesNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
MetabolismNot Available
BiosynthesisNot Available
Organoleptic Properties
Flavours
FlavorCitations
mild
  1. The Good Scents Company (2009). Flavor and fragrance information catalog. <http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/allprod.html> Accessed 15.10.23.
warm
  1. The Good Scents Company (2009). Flavor and fragrance information catalog. <http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/allprod.html> Accessed 15.10.23.
herbal
  1. The Good Scents Company (2009). Flavor and fragrance information catalog. <http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/allprod.html> Accessed 15.10.23.
Files
MSDSshow
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
General ReferenceNot Available
Content Reference— Duke, James. 'Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. United States Department of Agriculture.' Agricultural Research Service, Accessed April 27 (2004).